Doll

ABSTRACT

The invention is a segmented and jointed doll that may be placed in numerous interesting, geometrical, and educational positions. The doll preferably has body segments, a head segment, limb segments, and facial feature segments that are attached via connectors so that the segments may rotate with respect to each other and the doll may take on and hold different positions and looks.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to dolls. Moreover, it pertainsspecifically to a segmented and jointed doll that may be placed innumerous interesting geometrical and educational positions.

BACKGROUND

Tactile learning is an important part of the education of children. Froman early age children learn about shapes, geometry, movement, and objectmanipulation by interacting with various objects and devices, such asthree-dimensional blocks and pegs. Children also learn by viewing twodimensional pictures of various objects that are labeled with the namesof the objects. One such object that allows children to learn aboutshapes, movement, and object manipulation is a paper doll.

Typically, a paper doll comprises several paper body parts that are puttogether to resemble a very flat person (or animal). The parts are oftentimes movable with relation to each other such that various movements ofan actual person can be imitated. For example, the paper doll mayinclude a torso, a head, two arms, and two legs. The legs and arms wouldbe able to move in a circular manner in relation to the torso.Generally, the torso is a single part, and does not allow the childplaying with the paper doll to have the doll take on more than three orfour interesting shapes. Additionally, these paper dolls are typicallymade for the child to cover them with changeable paper clothing. Thesepaper dolls do not take on geometrically shapes, and short of teachingthe child about fashion, are not very educational.

Thus, what is needed is a doll that has many segments and joints thatcan be manipulated in thousands of ways to take on any number of variouspositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention discloses a segmented andjointed doll that can be manipulated to take on numerous different looksand geometrical positions.

One embodiment of this invention is a doll, comprising: a plurality ofbody segments and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of bodysegments are flat and connected to each other by said plurality ofconnectors. These connected body segments rotate freely with respect toeach other at their connection point.

The doll of claim 3, wherein there are six of said plurality of bodysegments such that said doll body of closed interconnected segments is asix-sided geometric structure. Preferably there are an even number ofbody segments. The body segments each have two ends, a proximal end anda distal end. Each proximal end of the body segments is attached to adistal end of another body segment, such that each of the body segmentsare connected to two other body segments and form a doll body of closedinterconnected segments. Preferably there are six body segments suchthat the doll body is a six-sided geometric structure, when pusheddistally, the doll body is a hexagon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the doll includes a headsegment, one or more facial feature segments, and one or more limbsegments. Preferably the limb segments comprise two feet segments, twoarm segments, and two hand segments. The arm segments have a proximalend and a distal end and the proximal end of said arm segments areattached to the doll body and the hand segments are attached to saiddistal end of the arm segments. Preferably the two arm segments are thesame shape and thickness as the body segments. Preferably, the two armsegments are attached to both the doll body and to the head segment.Preferably, the feet segments are attached to the doll body at aconnector that is opposite to the head segment. Preferably, the bodysegments, head segment, feet segments, and arm segments are made ofpaper.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fun, posable,segmented, jointed, and exciting doll that will overcome thedeficiencies of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a doll that isinteresting, retains and holds geometric shapes, and is educational.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the doll claimed anddisclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows howthe doll is constructed.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll with geometric shape names.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll with color names.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll with printed patterns.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an in-line position.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a “Y” position.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a triangular position.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a rectangular position.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a parallelogram position.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a square position.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a “P” position.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a sitting “Y” position.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a crouching hug position.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a tight zig-zag position.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an seated “M” position.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a diamond torso position.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a diamond legs position.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a figure eight position.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a multi-triangular position.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a lotus position.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a squat position.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a “H” position.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a bent position.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a folded position.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a bow-tie position.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a swimming position.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an arched position.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a diamond arched position.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an accordion position.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a toe reach position.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in double triangle position.

FIG. 32 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a staggered arches position.

FIG. 33 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a seated position.

FIG. 34 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a dancing position.

FIG. 35 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an hourglass position.

FIG. 36 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a knee slide position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment inwhich the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

In the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments ofthe invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detailso as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows howthe doll is constructed. FIG. 1 shows that doll 10 preferably includeshand segments 20, arm segments 30, feet segments 40, body segments 50,head segment 60, eye segments 70, body connectors 80, head/arm connector81, feet connector 82, and eye connectors 84. FIG. 1 also shows, indotted lines 200 how the segments preferably overlap when connected.Although FIG. 1 shows that the doll preferably comes with feet, arms,hands, a head, two eyes, and six body segments, it should be understoodthat the doll may have any number of segments without deviating from thescope of the invention. The connectors allow the segments to rotate with360 degrees of freedom relative to the segments to which they areconnected. Preferably the segments slide across each other when they arerotated. Preferably the connectors are metal rivets. These rivets pressthe segments together so that the segments, when not being rotatedmanually hold their position through friction. In this manner doll 10 isable to be positioned into any number of interesting shapes, structures,and positions.

Although the segments of doll 10 are preferably made of paper, thesegments may be made of any material, including but not limited toplastic, which will allow the segments to be manually rotated withrespect to each other and hold a position when not be being rotatedmanually. Although the connectors are preferably metal rivets, theconnectors may be any fastening device, including, but not limited to,hollow rivets, solid rivets, fasteners, bolts, screws, pins, buttons,clips, grommets, battens, clamps, clasps, pegs, rings, snaps, tacks, andnails, without deviating from the scope of the invention. The connectorsare preferably a metal or metal alloy such as steel, tin, or brass, butmay be made out of any material.

FIG. 1 also shows how the body segments 50 are preferably rounded andrectangular and are identical in size, shape, and thickness. The armsegments 30 are also rectangular, rounded and identical in size, shape,and thickness. However, the arm segments 30 may be smaller or largerthan the body segments 50, depending on what doll features are desired.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll with geometric shape names. FIG. 2 shows doll 10 with geometricshape names 100 written on body segments. Although FIG. 2 shows that thegeometric shape names 10 include trapezoid, triangle, rectangle, square,hexagon, and parallelogram. However, any geometric shape names may beused. FIG. 2 also shows how head/arm connector 81 attaches the head andarms to the top of the body segments. FIG. 2 also shows how feetconnector 82 is at preferably at the furthest connection point from thehead/arm connector 81. FIG. 2 also shows how the connectors form thejoints of the segmented doll.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll with color names. FIG. 3 shows the doll with educational colornames 101.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll with printed patterns. FIG. 4 shows the doll with interestingprinted patterns 102. FIG. 4 is another example of the type ofeducational and interesting material that can be printed on the doll.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an in-line position. FIG. 5 shows the doll where the bodysegments have been rotated so that three of the body segments overlapthe remaining three body segments. In this manner the doll has taken ona unique and interesting shape. Specifically, the doll rather than beinga portly anthropomorphic hexagon is now a skinny anthropomorphic line.

The figures that follow FIG. 5 are various examples of interesting,geometrical, and educational shapes in which the doll of the presentinvention may be placed.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a “Y” position. Figure six shows how the doll preferably hasfacial feature segments, including eye segments 70 that are rotatableand when rotated give the doll a facial expression. The eye segments 70,which are preferably tear-drop shaped, can give the doll manyinteresting expressions, including but not limited to, angry, sad,happy, surprised, devious, and curious.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a triangular position.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a rectangular position.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a parallelogram position.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a square position.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a “P” position.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a sitting “Y” position.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a crouching hug position.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a tight zig-zag position.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an seated “M” position.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a diamond torso position.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a diamond legs position.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a figure eight position.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a multi-triangular position.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a lotus position.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a squat position.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a “H” position.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a bent position.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a folded position.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a bow-tie position.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a swimming position.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an arched position.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a diamond arched position.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an accordion position.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a toe reach position.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in double triangle position.

FIG. 32 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a staggered arches position.

FIG. 33 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a seated position.

FIG. 34 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a dancing position.

FIG. 35 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in an hourglass position.

FIG. 36 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows thedoll in a knee slide position.

In summary, the present invention is a segmented and jointed doll thattakes on and holds many interesting, geometric, and educationalpositions.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description.While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrativeembodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention iscapable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrativein nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited,one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combinationor conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference ornon-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not beinterpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that thescope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, butby the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appendedhereto.

1. A doll, comprising: a plurality of body segments, and a plurality ofconnectors; wherein said plurality of body segments are flat; whereinsaid plurality of body segments are connected to each other by saidplurality of connectors.
 2. The doll of claim 1, wherein said pluralityof connected body segments rotate freely with respect to each other at aconnection point.
 3. The doll of claim 2, wherein there are an evennumber of said plurality of body segments; wherein said plurality ofbody segments each have two ends, a proximal end and a distal end;wherein each proximal end of said plurality of body segments is attachedto a distal end of another one of said plurality of body segments suchthat said each of said plurality of body segments are connected to twoother of said plurality of body segments and form a doll body of closedinterconnected segments.
 4. The doll of claim 3, wherein there are sixof said plurality of body segments such that said doll body of closedinterconnected segments is a six-sided geometric structure.
 5. The dollof claim 4, further comprising: a head segment.
 6. The doll of claim 5,further comprising: one or more facial feature segments.
 7. The doll ofclaim 6, further comprising: one or more limb segments.
 8. The doll ofclaim 7, wherein said one or more limb segments comprise two feetsegments, two arm segments, and two hand segments.
 9. The doll of claim8, wherein said arm segments have a proximal end and a distal end;wherein said proximal end of said arm segments is attached to said dollbody; and wherein said hand segments are attached to said distal end ofsaid arm segments.
 10. The doll of claim 9, wherein said two armsegments are attached to said doll body and to said head segment by ahead/arm connector.
 11. The doll of claim 10, wherein said two feetsegments are attached to said doll body at a connector opposite to saidhead segment.
 12. The doll of claim 11, wherein said body segments, headsegment, feet segments, and arm segments are made of paper.
 13. The dollof claim 4, further comprising: one or more limb segments.
 14. The dollof claim 13, wherein said one or more limb segments comprise two feetsegments, two arm segments, and two hand segments.
 15. The doll of claim14, wherein said arm segments have a proximal end and a distal end;wherein said proximal end of said arm segments is attached to said dollbody; and wherein said hand segments are attached to said distal end ofsaid arm segments.
 16. The doll of claim 15, further comprising: a headsegment.
 17. The doll of claim 16, further comprising: one or morefacial feature segments.
 18. The doll of claim 17, wherein said two armsegments are attached to said doll body and to said head segment by ahead/arm connector.
 19. The doll of claim 18, wherein said two feetsegments are attached to said doll body at a connector opposite to saidhead segment.
 20. The doll of claim 19, wherein said body segments, headsegment, feet segments, and arm segments are made of paper.